India ITME Society, a non-profit apex industry body successfully concluded the ‘Curtain Raiser & Preview’ of the second edition of ITME Africa & Middle East (ME) 2023 on October 3, 2023. The main event is to be held one month later from November 30–December 2, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.
ITME Africa & ME 2023 was conceived with a vision to initiate a new era towards self-reliance, socio-economic advancement, and empowerment in the textile and textile engineering sector with international co-operation for Africa and the Middle East. Also, it nurtures a mission to serve as a gateway for textile technology and engineering inclusive of technical education, skill development, investment, joint ventures, and sourcing with sustainable and long-term goals, India ITME Society said in a press release.
Despite enormous untapped potential for trade expansion with Africa & ME, presently trade with these regions are limited to certain sectors only. There are great opportunities presently with all elements aligned favourably for surging forward towards national economic prosperity and finding a successful place in the global trade. Modernisation and innovative technology are the only way forward for industry and business to succeed in today’s world.
With over 80 years of development and the fastest growing economy with rapidly advancing textile technology in the African continent, Kenya is on the right path to become Africa’s textile and apparel hub. As the host country for ITME Africa 2023, Kenya being a prominent country of the African Union and active member of AFTA can be the pivot for the textile technology and engineering industry for the whole of Africa.
This once in 4-years event in Nairobi is an effort to promote joint venture and business cooperation for textile and machine manufacturers which can act as a catalyst towards modernisation of the African textile industry and explore the potential of Kenya as a new business destination along with the 23 participating countries other than India, which are Austria, Benin, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Togo, Turkiye, Tunisia, Uganda, US, and Zambia.
With this, it shall strengthen its position as a pioneer in modernisation of its textile industry and position itself as a pivot for textile technology upgradation for Africa and the ME, focusing on new chapters such as cotton seed and cotton farming technology and equipment, machinery related to engineering products, home textile products, associated goods and services for textile industry, and technical information services, educational research institutes, and COEs.
At this curtain raiser event, the guest of honour Rohit Vadhwana, deputy high commissioner and DPR (UNEP & UN-HABITAT), High Commission of India, Nairobi said, “This exhibition is a significant stride towards enhancing bilateral trade and promoting industrial cooperation between India and Kenya. This landmark partnership aims to harness the strengths of both nations and drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the textile technology and engineering sector.”
Chief guest Dr Juma Mukwana, principal secretary, State Department for Industry, Kenya, stated, “ITME Africa & ME 2023 hosted in Kenya shall draw more attention to the potential of the Kenyan textile industry and raise awareness about their products and capabilities, both domestically and internationally. This can lead to increased visibility and potential business inquiries and open doors for Kenyan businesses to expand their customer base.”
Ketan Sanghvi, chairman India ITME Society, said, “With 23 countries converging in Nairobi under the banner of India ITME Society, Africa will benefit tremendously in sowing the seeds for future partnership and successful business in the African continent.”
“The latest and efficient technology is the only factor which gives economic success and trade dominion both domestically and globally,” emphasised immediate past chairman S Hari Shankar. Newly elected hon’ treasurer S Senthil Kumar drew attention to the benefits of sector specific business exhibition for focused growth of the textile industry.
Various government schemes, facilities, and incentives available for foreign companies were shared at the curtain raiser by Richard Cheruiyot, board chairman, Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). The industry was invited to take advantage of facilities at EPZA and June Chepkemei, acting managing director, Kenya Investment Authority, and Ruth Wadenya Ouma, partnerships manager, Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the strengths of Kenya to provide the friendliest business environment for doing business with Kenya.
Approximately 30 plus mainstream media covered the event. Other esteemed dignitaries who enriched the networking event with their active interaction with invited guests included Winpeg Moyo, ambassador, Republic of Zimbabwe, Adina Devani, honorary consul, Bosnia and Herzegovina, senator Omwami Sande Oyolo, Didier Moussa Lombe, Deuxieme Conseiller, Ambassade De La Repubiluque Demmocratique De Congo Au Kenya, and Giueseppe Manenti, director, Italian Trade Commission. Business leaders from Indian diaspora in Kenya, officials from Gatsby Africa & Commercial attachés from multiple embassies interacted and networked with a promise for continued and detailed interaction during the main event—ITME Africa & ME 2023, added the release.
ITME Africa & ME 2023 is designed to foster a conducive business environment, promote textile and technology exchange, and provide necessary infrastructure support to facilitate the same. ITME Africa & Middle East 2023 shall bring together whole lot of possibilities to textile businesses, institutes, students, associations, banks, investors, technology consultants and trainers, exporters/ dealers, and agents. A new set of supply chains can create many entrepreneurship/start-up opportunities.
